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High‐temperature‐induced reductions in cropping in everbearing strawberries ( Fragaria × ananassa ) are associated with reduced pollen performance
Author(s) -
Karapatzak E.K.,
Wagstaffe A.,
Hadley P.,
Battey N.H.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.2012.00570.x
Subject(s) - biology , pollen , cultivar , fragaria , germination , cropping , horticulture , agronomy , pollen tube , botany , pollination , agriculture , ecology
Heat‐induced short‐term reductions in cropping (often referred to as ‘thermodormancy’ by UK strawberry growers) occur frequently in extended‐season everbearing strawberry production in the UK . A 2‐year study evaluated the effects of high temperatures on the performance of pollen in two everbearing strawberry cultivars (cvs ‘Everest’ and ‘Diamante’). Pollen from both cultivars lost its ability to germinate following exposure to a period of high temperature (30/20°C day/night). However, after termination of the high‐temperature episode, germination capacity recovered to levels similar to control plants that were not exposed to high temperature. High temperature also resulted in slower rates of pollen tube growth. As a result, only a small proportion of high‐temperature‐affected flowers developed into fruits. These results suggest that heat‐induced reductions in cropping in everbearing strawberries are associated with reduced pollen performance.